Helmet Faceguard Covering

ABSTRACT

The present technology provides a mask that is affixable to a helmet. The mask is affixable over the lower face covering of a conventional helmet, such as a football helmet. The mask has straps, hooks, orifices, or other attachment components to allow the mask to be secured via one or more existing clips, snaps, or other connection points on the helmet. Alternatively, the mask is affixable via a connection technology such as a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, a clip, or other fastening technology. The mask prevents a substantial portion of the biological material being expelled or inhaled from the person wearing the helmet or other competitors from passing through the mask and contacting another participant.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/051,085 filed Jul. 13, 2020, entitled “HELMET FACE MASK COVERING.” The entire contents of the above-identified application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to semi-permeable masks that are affixable to helmets, such as sports helmets.

BACKGROUND

Facemasks, face shields, and other devices are used to prevent the spread of viruses, bacteria, and other biological material that may be expelled or inhaled with the breath of a person. Conventional facemasks are designed to fit snuggly around a person's face. Conventional plastic face shields form a non-permeable barrier in front of a person's face. However, conventional barriers such as these are not suitable for use with helmets, such as football helmets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a mask that is affixable to a helmet to prevent viruses, bacteria, and other biological material that may be expelled or inhaled with the breath of a person from passing to another person in close contact with the person. The mask is affixable over the lower face covering of a conventional helmet, such as a football helmet. The mask has straps, hooks, orifices, or other attachment components to allow the mask to be secured via one or more existing clips, snaps, or other connection points on the helmet. Alternatively, the mask is affixable via a connection technology such as a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, a clip, or other fastening technology. The mask prevents a substantial portion of the biological material being expelled or inhaled from the person wearing the helmet or other competitors from passing through the mask and contacting another participant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, which are appended hereto and which form a portion of this disclosure, it may be seen that:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mask installed on a football helmet.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mask.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a faceguard of a football helmet with two affixed clips.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a faceguard of a football helmet with two mask straps attached to an affixed clip.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a faceguard of a football helmet with four mask straps attached to two affixed clips and two hook and eye fasteners of the mask attached to the faceguard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures for a clearer understanding of the invention, one or more of the above objects of the invention can be achieved, at least in part, by providing a mask to affix to a helmet. The mask prevents a substantial portion of the biological material being expelled or inhaled from the person wearing the helmet from passing through mask. In an example, the mask is affixed to a mask used for sports, such as a football helmet, a lacrosse helmet, or a hockey helmet. In another example, the mask is affixed to a safety helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet, a military helmet, or a construction helmet. The mask may be affixed to any suitable helmet.

The mask protects the wearer and others that come into contact with the wearer from any biological or other material that may be contained in the breath, saliva, sweat, or other secretions of the wearer or those in contact with the wearer. In an example, if the mask is worn on a football helmet, the mask will protect the wearer from inhaling a virus or bacteria being exhaled by a fellow competitor and protect the fellow competitor from inhaling a virus or bacteria being exhaled by the wearer. In some sports, such as football, competitors are often in close proximity such that the helmets are touching and the faces of the competitors are only inches apart. While in this position, the competitors are in danger of exchanging viruses or other contagions via the breath of fellow competitors. The mask acts as a barrier to prevent the biological material from passing from one competitor to the other.

The mask includes features such as straps, clips, fasteners, and other connection technologies to affix the mask to the existing structure of the helmet faceguard or other features of the helmet.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mask 100 installed on a football helmet 100. In an example, the mask 100 is formed of a semi-permeable material that allows air to flow through the mask but prevents a substantial portion of the biological material being expelled or inhaled from the person wearing the helmet from passing through mask. The mask 100 may be created from any suitable natural or synthetic material, such as cotton, polyester, polypropylene, or any suitable tightly woven or non-woven fabric. Other materials, such as paper or cellulose may be used. In an example, anti-microbial materials may be embedded in the mask 100 to further reduce the transmission of biological agents.

The permeability of the mask 100 may be varied based on the type of fabric or material used in construction of the mask 100. The permeability desired may be based on the amount of air that is to pass through the mask 100 to balance the protection from biological agents versus the need to provide breathable air to the wearer. For example, a thicker, or less permeable, material will allow a lower amount of air to pass through, which may reduce the air flow to the user while capturing more biological agents. Conversely, a thinner, or more permeable, material will allow more air to pass through, which may increase the air flow to the user while capturing fewer biological agents.

When secured, the mask 100 covers a portion of the faceguard 102 that covers the mouth and nose areas of the wearer's face but does not cover the eyes. This configuration allows the wearer to have a broad range of vision over the top portion of the mask 100.

The mask 100 is illustrated as fitting over and around the lower portion of the helmet faceguard 102 of the helmet 101. The mask 100 is stretched at least taut over the helmet faceguard 102. When the mask 100 is taut, the mask 100 is less likely to be pulled off the helmet faceguard 102 when contacted by another helmet, opponent, the ground, or any other surface. The mask 100 is secured to the helmet faceguard 102 as described herein. The taut mask 100 is also less likely to be pulled away from the faceguard 102 and cover the eyes of the wearer.

The mask 100 is illustrated with an elastic band 103 around the perimeter of the mask 100. The elastic band 103 further secures the mask 100 to the helmet faceguard 102 and provides additional tautness to the mask 100 when installed. The elastic band 103 may be sewn or otherwise affixed to the edge of the fabric of the mask 100. The elastic band 103 may be constructed of any type of material or fabric that expands when stretched by a force pulling away from center in opposing directions. When an elastic material is stretched or compressed via an elastic force, the material exerts a counter force in the opposite direction as the material resists the change in shape. When the elastic material is stretched, the elastic system has stored elastic potential energy such that when the stretching force, or elastic force, is removed, the elastic material compresses back to its original position. In an example, the elastic may be constructed of a fabric material with strands or rubber interwoven into the fabric. The elastic band 103 further secures the mask 100 to the faceguard 102 when stretched over bars of the faceguard 102.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask 100. The mask 100 is illustrated with a shape that will fit over the front lower portion of a helmet faceguard 102. Other sizes and shape of mask 100 may be used based on the size and shape of the faceguard 102 of the type of helmet 100 used. For example, a lacrosse helmet may have a different shape that requires a slightly different shape mask 100 to cover the lower face of a user. In another example, a helmet 100 may require a faceguard 102 The mask 100 is illustrated with an elastic band 103 around the perimeter of the mask 100, as described herein.

The mask 100 is illustrated with four straps 201. The straps 201 are disposed at the four corners of the mask 100. Other locations for the straps 201 may be used based on the configuration of the helmet faceguard 102, such as on the top or bottom of the mask 100. The straps 201 are typically an elastic band or string that will stretch under force as described herein. Constructing the straps 201 of an elastic material causes the mask 100 to be pulled taut when installed on various sizes and shapes of faceguard 102. In examples, a single size of mask 100 may be used for different applications because the elastic straps 201 may stretch and be affixed to clips at different distances. That is, a single mask size and shape may fit two differently sized faceguards 102 because the elastic straps 201 will stretch to different lengths. The straps 201 may be affixed to the mask 100 or the elastic band 103 via any suitable connection technology, such as by sewing the straps 201 to the elastic band 103. In other examples, the straps 201 are not elastic but are of a fabric string, a plastic clip, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mask 100. FIG. 3 illustrates the mask 100, the straps 201, and the elastic band 103, as described herein with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Further illustrated are the fastening strips 301. The fastening strips 301 are illustrated as hook and eye fasteners. Other types of fastening strips 301 may be used, such as strips that fasten with a button, a clip, a snap, or other fastening technology. In the example, the two fastening strips 301 are affixed to the mask 100 at the center top and center bottom edges of the mask 301. In alternate embodiments, a single fastening strip 301 is used. The number and placement of the fastening strips 301 may be changed based on the configuration of the helmet faceguard 102. The fastening strips 301 may be fastened to the mask 100 or the elastic band 103 via any suitable connection technology, such as by sewing the fastening strips 301 to the elastic band 103. The fastening strips 301 may be in any configuration that allows the center of the mask 100 to be affixed to the faceguard 102 to create a snug, taut, secure fit.

In the example, the fastening strips 301 are unfastened and looped over at least one bar of the faceguard 102. The fastening strips 301 are then fastened, such as by pressing the hook side of the fastening strips 301 to the loop side to create a bond.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a faceguard 102 of a football helmet 101 with two affixed clips 401. The clips 401 are configured to securely loop around at least one bar of the faceguard 102. An opposing loop of the clip 401 is disposed to swivel around the faceguard bar in any direction and accept one or more straps 201. The opposing loop of the clips 401 may form a circle with a single entry to accept the strap 201. Any other configuration of clips 401 may be used to create a connection between the faceguard 102 and the strap 201. For example, the clips 401 may be hooks, snaps, buttons, or any other type of connection between the faceguard 102 and the strap 201.

The clips 401 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material. In the example, the clips 401 are affixed to the middle bars of each side of the faceguard 102. In alternate examples, the clips 401 may both be affixed to the middle bar, or any other bar that causes a secure fit for the mask 100 over the faceguard 102. In alternate examples, the clips 401 are permanently affixed to the straps 201 such that the straps 201 are stretched to the correct location and the affixed clips 401 are affixed to the faceguard 102. In alternate examples, the clips 401 are permanently affixed to the faceguard 102 such that the straps 201 are stretched to the correct location and the affixed clips 401 are affixed to the straps 201.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a faceguard of a football helmet with two mask straps 201 attached to an affixed clip 401. As illustrated the straps 201 are both attached to the single clip 401. Because the mask 100 is folded around the perimeter of the faceguard 102, the multiple straps 201 may be affixed to the single clip 401 while remaining substantially flat on the faceguard 102 without bunching or binding. As illustrated, the straps 201 are affixed to the elastic band 103 via a stitched connection. Any other type of connection may be used. As illustrated, the edge of the mask 100 is inserted between the helmet 101 and the faceguard 102. The clip 401 is affixed to the bar of the faceguard 102. The clip 401 may be affixed to any other suitable bar of the faceguard 102 to allow the mask 100 to fit securely around the faceguard 102.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a faceguard 102 of a football helmet 101 with four mask straps 201 attached to two affixed clips 401 and two hook and eye fasteners 301 of the mask 100 attached to the faceguard 102. As illustrated, two of the straps 201 are attached to a single clip 401, while two other straps 201 on the opposing side of the mask 100 are attached to a second clip 401. The clips 401 are attached to a respective bar of the faceguard 102. The hook and eye fasteners 301 are placed on the inside of the faceguard 102 and secured together. Together, the hook and eye fasteners 301 and the mask 100 encircle the faceguard 102 to secure the mask 100 to the faceguard 102. Thus, the straps 201 force the mask 100 to be taut and stretched over the faceguard 102, while the hook and eye fasteners 301 keep the mask 100 from sliding up or down vertically and keep the components secured against the faceguard 102 on the inside.

In an example, the fasteners 301 are fastened such that the elastic band 103 overlaps the upper and lower faceguard 102 bars. When the elastic band 103 is pulled and secured over the bars of the faceguard 102, the material of the mask 100 on the opposite side of the faceguard 102 is pulled taut and secured against the faceguard 102.

As discussed herein, other types of connections may be used for the hook and eye fasteners 301, the clips 401, the straps 201, and the elastic band 103. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet mask apparatus, comprising: a semi-permeable mask body; at least one strap affixed to the mask body; at least one clip attached to a helmet faceguard and the at least one strap; at least one fastener configured to vertically encircle, with the mask body, the faceguard.
 2. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elastic band encircling a perimeter of the mask body.
 3. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask body covers a lower portion of a face of a wearer of the helmet faceguard.
 4. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is a hook and eye fastener.
 5. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when attached to the at least one clip, the at least one strap stretches the mask body over the faceguard such that the mask body is taut.
 6. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener prevents the mask body from rotating vertically.
 7. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask body is positioned outside of the faceguard and the at least one clip, the at least one fastener, and the at least one strap are positioned inside the faceguard.
 8. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap comprises four straps disposed at four corners of the mask body.
 9. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask body is constructed of fabric.
 10. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask body is treated with an antimicrobial agent.
 11. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is constructed of an elastic band.
 12. The helmet mask apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask body is configured to prevent at least a portion of biological material expelled by a user from passing through the mask body.
 13. A method to affix a mask to a helmet faceguard, comprising: placing a semi-permeable mask body along an outer surface of a faceguard; wrapping vertical edges of the mask body around opposing edges of the faceguard; affixing at least one strap on each opposing edge of the mask body to the faceguard; and affixing a fastener that wraps vertically around the faceguard.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mask body covers a lower portion of a face of a wearer of the helmet faceguard.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener is a hook and eye fastener.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising, affixing the at least one strap on each opposing edge of the mask body to the faceguard by: affixing the at least one strap on each opposing edge of the mask body to a clip; and affixing the clip to the faceguard.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mask body is positioned outside of the faceguard and the at least one clip, the at least one fastener, and the at least one strap are positioned inside the faceguard.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the fastener prevents the mask body from rotating vertically.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the mask body covers a lower portion of a face of a wearer of the helmet faceguard.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the mask body is constructed of fabric. 